The Kenyan Registrar of Companies has dissolved 126 firms across various sectors, signaling potential job losses amid rising unemployment. Additionally, 392 other companies face closure unless they demonstrate ongoing operations. These actions were announced in the latest Kenya Gazette notices.
Kenyans are facing significant job losses following announcements from the Registrar of Companies. In notices published in the Kenya Gazette, Deputy Registrar Hiram Gachugi stated that 126 companies have been dissolved pursuant to section 897 (4) of the Companies Act. "Pursuant to section 897 (4) of the Companies Act, it is notified for general information that the under-mentioned companies are dissolved," the notice read.
These dissolved entities span multiple sectors, including logistics, real estate, manufacturing, and retail. Separately, 308 companies risk imminent closure if they fail to prove they are carrying on business or in operation, as per section 894 (2) of the Act. The notice warned: "Pursuant to section 894 (2) of the Companies Act, it is that unless it is shown that the companies listed below are carrying on business or in operation, the Registrar shall have the companies struck off the Registrar and the company will be dissolved."
Furthermore, 92 additional companies have three months to show cause against dissolution under section 897 (3). "Pursuant to section 897 (3) of the Companies Act, it is notified that at the expiration of three (3) months from the date of this gazette, the names of the undermentioned companies shall, unless cause is shown to the contrary, be struck off the register of companies and the company shall be dissolved," it stated. This totals 392 companies warned of closure.
Just two weeks prior, the registrar flagged 140 companies for potential dissolution, giving the public three months to dispute. In the 2024/25 financial year, the Business Registration Service recorded 2,260 firms applying to wind up operations by June 2025. Deregistrations stem from reasons such as failure to file annual returns, non-compliance with statutory requirements, prolonged inactivity, or voluntary closure requests.
These developments highlight ongoing challenges in Kenya's business environment, exacerbating unemployment concerns.